The Eagle Express
University Park Elementary
September 9, 2009
Principal’s Corner: It has been an exciting first two weeks of school! I have seen many excellent lessons, and I have been so impressed with the students’ answers! Top notch! They have quickly learned our daily routines and adapted to our school-wide discipline plan. It is a delight to walk through the building and see the learning that is taking place!
We are looking forward to seeing you on our Back To School Nights! They will both begin at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria. The PreK-2 presentation will take place this Wednesday, Sept. 9th, and Grades 3-6 will take place this Thursday, Sept. 10th. We hope you will be able to join us!
Our school has a new motto! The students voted for,
UPES: Unity,
Pride,
Excellence,
Success!
We'd love to order new t-shirts with our motto, so we are having a student contest for the best design. After kids turn in their design, we will choose the top three, and all students will vote for their favorite. The student who has the design with the most votes will win a free t-shirt! Entries are due by September 18th!
As many of you know, our kindergarten classes’ enrollment has skyrocketed! I have been assured by the county that we will receive a new kindergarten teacher. In the meantime, we have created a fourth kindergarten class which started yesterday. We have been very lucky to have Ms. Teresa Trozzo as our outstanding substitute – she has worked at UPES as a sub and as part of the B&A team for years. The transition has been an excellent one, and the students are truly benefiting from the lower class sizes.
On Tuesday, Sept. 15th, the PTA will hold its first meeting of the year at 7:00 p.m. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the PTA! Just in the last month, they have held play dates and an ice cream social for new and young students; a fantastic wine and cheese social for parents new to the school; a welcome back lunch for the staff with Staples gift cards for the teachers; a welcome back coffee for parents on the first day; bagels on Friday for the staff; and a group that worked on our grassy field to make it so lush and green! They do a tremendous amount for our students and staff, and are a huge reason why UPES is so phenomenal! I hope that you will join the PTA and consider coming to the meetings to get involved!
Also, on Sept. 15th at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria, Mr. Clark, our technology/media specialist, will be giving a demonstration on how to access the Parent Portal so that you can see your child’s grades. All are welcome!
Many thanks to all of the volunteers who have come to do lunch duty, recess duty, jobs around the building, and helped in our classes!
Two special requests: If you would like to send in a treat for your child’s birthday, it is best if you send in items that are easy to pass out (not cakes that need a knife.) The teacher will find a time during the day when taking five minutes to celebrate the birthday will fit in between lessons. Please remember that some children have nut allergies. Also, we ask that you please not bring your dog on school grounds during drop-off and pick-up times. This is to protect the safety of our students. Thank you! J
Upcoming Dates:
Sept. 9th – Back To School Night for PreK – 2, 7 p.m.
Wednesday Folder Comes Home
Sept. 10th – Back To School Night For Gr. 3 – 6, 7 p.m.
Sept. 15th – Demo: How to Access the Parent Portal, 6:30 p.m.
PTA Meeting, 7 p.m.
Sept. 18th – T-shirt Contest Entries Due
Sept. 23rd – Wednesday Folder Comes Home
Sept. 25th – No School for Students – Professional Day for Teachers
Sept. 28th – No School – Yom Kippur
Oct. 2nd – Fall Fest During the School Day, PreK – 2
Oct. 6th – 1st Quarter Progress Reports Released
PTA Meeting, 7 p.m
Oct. 7th – Wednesday Envelope Comes Home
Oct. 12th – 15th – PTA Scholastic Book Fair
Oct. 16th – No School – MSTA Convention
Oct. 22nd – Family Math Night
Oct. 27th – Individual Picture Day
Oct. 29th – Halloween Parade and Parties, 12 Noon
Oct. 30th – No School for Students – Teacher Grading and Planning Day